Folks, I just picked up a wonderful vintage Magic Teapot by UF Grant in new condition, never used. The instructions call for using a drop of food coloring, permitted to dry, in each glass to prouduce the colored water. When this was manufactured, food coloring was pure liquid and quite concentrated. Even a dried drop would instantly disolve and color the water beautifully. I know because I have some of the old stuff. But the stuff they make today is in thick, almost gel form, and when dry, it doesn't dissolve in water like it should. So, being a neophyte at all this, is there a better way to produce colored water instantly from a drop of something and then let it dry. The only alternative is to set up with the gel product right before a performance and there's just too much other stuff for me to worry about? I'm afraid I don't have enough of the old stuff to last long. Would appreciate your suggestions! Better yet if anyone has the modern Teapot, perhaps you can tell me what that uses? Thanks, Bob

What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?

My neighbor rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. this morning, can you believe that, 2:30 a.m.!? Lucky for him I was still up playing my drums.

Bob and Mark, thanks for the tips on the food coloring...my local supermarkets only carry the gel types of food coloring that when they dry, they don't dissolve. I can't seem to find the right stuff. I'll look for the McCormack food coloring. The original instructions with the UF Grant version says to let the food coloring dry; I guess that's so it doesn't make a mess when you're ready to perform. I prefer it that way because I don't want to prep it at the performance, but rather a few hours before. Is that how you guys do it? Thanks again, it is a GREAT effect. Best, Bob

What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?

My neighbor rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. this morning, can you believe that, 2:30 a.m.!? Lucky for him I was still up playing my drums.

mmreedInner circle
Harrisburg, PA
1432 Posts

Posted: May 7, 2010 09:33 pm

0

I have not tried it - but you MIGHT be able to use clothing dye if you cannot find the food coloring.

Bob, thanks for your encouragement, I love the effect. I didn't mean to blow you off yesterday on the silks, but I've already spent a small fortune on my "hobby" and my wife wonders when I'll stop! But I promise to keep you in mind for future silk purchases! Best, bob

Posted: May 9, 2010 8:33pm
P.S. my routine goes like this, Uncle always heard pot of gold found at end of rainbow...blah blah blah, one day fifty years ago, he follows rainbow and all he finds is this here uh, golden pot (back in the sixties that REALLY meant something!) Or rather, this here pot that looks like a golden pot..blah blah, blah, Rainbow disappears, Uncle brings pot home to show mom and all of a sudden she pours water out of pot all colors of rainbow. then all of a sudden colors seem to disappear like rainbow, then all of a sudden silks are produced from the top of pot till kingdom come! then all of a sudden color disappears like rain bow and all that's left is clear water! ba-boom! Made that one up for myself. Best, Bob

What if the Hokey Pokey really IS what it's all about?

My neighbor rang my doorbell at 2:30 a.m. this morning, can you believe that, 2:30 a.m.!? Lucky for him I was still up playing my drums.